6H30 DR tubes

[chessman]

Anyone have a lead on a supplier of authentic 6H30 DR "super tubes?" I do not trust e-bay. Thanks!

Randy, I have always bought my matched DR's from Chris Johnson from The Parts Connexion. They use a very good tube tester which tests over 3 of 5 parameters. They ship their tubes very safely and I've never had a problem. That being said the last time I checked their stock levels, they had no stock. Still worth talking to Chris. Alternatively I quite like cryo-treated EH EB Gold Pins. I recommend this source - Electro Harmonix 6H30Pi EB Gold Pin Cryo, Cryoset Online Store

Cheers,

[chessman]

David, many thanks. Have you had occaision to compare the DRs to the 6H30Pi Gold Pin Cryos?

Originally Posted by chessman

David, many thanks. Have you had occaision to compare the DRs to the 6H30Pi Gold Pin Cryos?

Randy my AE and I did that comparison. The Gold pins have a bit more bass presence, sound a bit more romantic in the midrange (ie: warmer, sweeter) and highs were a bit softer than the Reflektor 6H30DR's which I would say sound a bit more transparent, extended and dynamic. The differences were obvious, but not night and day. Those cryo-treated Gold Pins are very good. It depends on what kind of sound you prefer. The DR's are generally considered to be the best variant of the 6H30 triode and have roughly double the tube life, but also cost a mint! Hope that helps

[Joe Appierto]

Originally Posted by chessman

Anyone have a lead on a supplier of authentic 6H30 DR "super tubes?" I do not trust e-bay. Thanks!

Conus Audio appears to have them in stock at $174.95 each if you want to check with them.

Although it's been a good number of years, I purchased four from them and they were the real deal.

[rlw3]

what are the differences between sovtek and EH gold pin 6h30s? Are they the same but rebranded? any preference between the 2?
PS upscale audio has some dr's in stock.

[ronenash]

Ray, my experience is that they are the same and I found no reason to pay more for the gold pin. They are manufactured in the same factory. In previous times I have tried gold ping versions of the same tube I found no real difference in sound quality.

Originally Posted by rlw3

what are the differences between sovtek and EH gold pin 6h30s? Are they the same but rebranded? any preference between the 2?

Baring in mind we all hear things differently, I find the Sovtek EB's are the more lively and fast sounding tube compared to the Gold Pins which are a bit warmer, fuller and soft in the top end. The cryo-treated Gold Pins however are more transparent and give you the best of both worlds.

[Mechnutt]

Has any one else compared the Cryo gold pin 6H30's vs the non Cryo tubes? I am a skeptic when it comes to cryo so make me a believer. I would be willing to give them a chance it they improve transparency without losing warmth and dynamics.

I am using the EH Gold Pins in my BAT VK-51se. I am contemplating selling my BAT and buying a CJ ET-3se preamp.

[Formerly YB-2]

Was chatting with Vladimir & Steve during a recent visit to the BAT facility and they have original, Soviet era 6H30 tubes for sale. They both stated that it will transform any gear using the tube. They both state that they are that good and will last many thousands of hours. Nothing like newer production.